Issuu

SIOUXLAND WOMAN

Tess

ET H E RI N GTON SWEET SURRENDER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE MONAHAN

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Siouxland Woman | Volume 12 Issue 10 n 5

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Sweet S U R R E N DE R :

ONE CINNAMON ROLL AT A TIME BY MICHAELA FELDMANN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE MONAHAN

Tess Etherington spent the first eight years of her life in South Sioux City, Nebraska, surrounded by family, close to her sisters, Anna and Carey, and a tight-knit web of relatives, including aunts she describes as being like older sisters.

Tess E TH ERI NGTON

Siouxland Woman | Volume 12 Issue 10 n 9

“We lived just a block from my paternal grandparents and close to my maternal grandmother. My aunts were like older sisters to me. We were all just very close,” Tess explains. When she was eight, her parents bought an acreage near Homer, Nebraska where her dad taught his daughters how to set lines for catfish in the Missouri River and how to shoot, skills Tess says that many girls never learn. Summers meant weeding onion rows in the family garden: rows good enough to win fair ribbons. But the person who shaped Tess most was her grandmother, Helen. Throughout Tess’s life, God placed strong women in her path to guide and shape her, and none left a deeper mark than Helen.

“ The Lord has

just always put

strong women in my path.”

“She was just comfort,” Tess says smiling. “People were drawn to her: her smile, her laughter, the way she could make you feel seen, known and heard. She was a safe place for me and offered a place where I could fully be myself.” A single mother who raised four children after her husband left, Tess’s grandmother Helen worked full time as a nurse while raising her family. “She also showed me how to keep going,” Tess adds. “Despite her grief, she pressed forward with incredible strength. She was a true representation of Christ.”

2025 Family Christmas. Left to right: Josh, Katie, Isaac, Tommy holding Walter, Tess holding Evie, Kindi, Dylan, Lydia holding Mabel, and Jack

That example would guide Tess for the rest of her life. After graduating from Homer High School, Tess enrolled at the University of South Dakota with her best friend, intending to become a high school teacher. “I studied speech, English and theater. Those were what I loved in high school, but I quickly discovered that I didn’t fit into that world.”

Tess pictured with Brittany McKinley, Angela Sowers, Shelly Bell, Carla DeRoos, and Jeanne Barnes

The Lord was providentially leading and prepared a path for Tess that her grandmother walked before her. “I had also been considering nursing as my grandmother and aunt were both nurses who I admire very much. I switched my major to nursing my sophomore year and graduated from USD in 1994 with an associate degree in nursing,” Tess explains. She found her footing in long-term care. While working at Matney’s Colonial Manor nursing home in South Sioux City, she discovered her true calling: hospice care.

Jeff and Tess visiting family in Georgia. Jeff, Tess, Kindi, son-in-law Dylan and their newest granddaughter, Talia Marie

“It was really an opportunity for ministry in a way. You’re with people and their families during one of the most memorable days of their lives. It’s an opportunity to give comfort, to let people know they are not alone,” Tess shares. She spent 17 years in the work, years she described as both deeply rewarding and quietly exhausting. “When I left, there was this realization of how heavy it was for so many years; what we brought home, what we saw, what we experienced all weighs on you. Sometimes people died afraid. But sometimes I had the opportunity to tell people that God is there.” 10 n 2026

Tess and Jeff

From there, Tess transitioned to North Star Services caring for people with special needs, work that carried a personal connection. “My sister Carey has Down syndrome and I actually got to work with some of the people she went to school with. I got to oversee their care and their care planning. That was really rewarding.” While her career took shape, so did the other great project of her life: her family. “Through mutual friends Beth and Steve Venne, I met my future husband, Jeff. Jeff had asked me out on several occasions for the span of about a year before I gave in! After our first date, where we saw the very first “Mission: Impossible,” which has become the theme of our marriage, I called my friend Beth and told her I was going to marry that guy,” Tess shares. “Jeff was so unlike anyone I had ever met, humble, kind and attentive and so very interested in knowing me. At the time he was the head athletic trainer at Morningside College. We dated just six months and were engaged and married six months later on July 26, 1997.” Their family would eventually grow to five children: Jack, Katie, Kindi, Josh and Tommy, though the path there wasn’t easy. “We really struggled with having kids. We looked into adoption,” Tess adds. “I’m a control person. I kept saying I was going to make this happen. My plans were going to work out.” Eventually she into existence. comfort instead.

learned she couldn’t So, she turned to

will her

child greatest

“In First Samuel in the Bible, Hannah struggled with infertility. Her story really hit me hard because she knew there was nothing she could do. She had to put her trust in the only One who gives life and he gave her Samuel. I prayed her prayer and the Lord answered.” They named their son Jack Samuel, a tribute to that answered prayer. Six months later, they found out they were expecting a daughter, Kathryn. By 2003, the family had outgrown their small house in South Sioux City, and as they were house hunting in Jackson, a much bigger home suddenly came on the market; far more room than their family of four needed. “We started the process of taking foster and adoption classes and believed God must have a plan to fill each of the six rooms,” Tess explains. In 2004 Tess learned she was pregnant again, putting their adoption plans on hold. “Unfortunately, we lost her. I wondered what God must be doing. But he was teaching me to trust in Him and His timing. In April of the next year, we found out we were pregnant with our son, Thomas.” “During my third trimester, Jeff was diagnosed with lymphoma,” Tess says. “As a hospice nurse, I believed I’d be a widow by Christmas. I remember so clearly laying on the bathroom floor weeping my heart out to the Lord and asking Him to heal my husband. I did not hear an audible voice, but in my spirit, I heard the Lord say, ‘I am enough for you.’” She told Jack and Katie that God was good, powerful, and could heal their daddy—but even if He didn’t, that wouldn’t change who He was. Siouxland Woman | Volume 12 Issue 10 n 11

“Serving people has definitely been a

calling on my life in many areas.”

“So many prayed, and I saw the Lord heal through the gracious gift of chemotherapy. I saw my soft-spoken husband fight for his life and his family,” Tess explains. “The day I gave birth to Tommy, Jeff had his last chemotherapy and he was officially pronounced in remission a few weeks later. For three years we lived with some fear of a recurrence and it did happen. That diagnosis sent Jeff immediately to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The recurrence meant a stem cell transplant. That process of harvesting Jeff’s own stem cells and then basically destroying his immune system with chemotherapy brought him as close to the point of death as I have seen. Once again, in God’s mercy in giving Jeff the strength to fight and amazing Medical Care Jeff has now been healed of the lymphoma for 17 years.” God, it turned out, wasn’t finished growing her family. Years later, a medical mission trip to Ethiopia changed everything. “What we saw there was life changing. Both of us left changed with our hearts on adoption again.” In November 2012, Tess and Jeff met their daughter Kindehafty (Kindi) age 11 and son Gezae (Joshua) age 9. “When we called the agency, they told us a little boy and girl had just arrived. It’s who God had for us. It was so obvious and clear when we saw them. We knew they were ours,” Tess shares. Watching their five children grow, Tess says, has brought her back to the same lesson over and over: “I can’t control everything. I have to practice surrender and give it to the One who can.” That same willingness to let go brought her to one of her greatest passions: the kitchen. While homeschooling their kids in a co-op, Tess was asked what class she’s like to teach, and she settled on bread making. She found a one-hour cinnamon roll recipe online, a practical choice for a busy teacher with little time to spare. “That was all the time I had. I’m teaching all these kids, and you don’t have a lot of time to make bread,” Tess notes. “I could put it all in the KitchenAid and mix it in three minutes, throw it out on the counter and let it sit there when I did another batch with the kids. I can see how God was lining things up for me.” When friends needed to raise money for a mission trip, Tess donated cinnamon rolls for the auction, and the response surprised even her. “Plates of six cinnamon rolls were going for $1,000,” she says with a smile. “I started to advertise cinnamon rolls for $15 a dozen and I was making them so much I could do them in my sleep.” After 12 years, the family enrolled their kids at Siouxland Christian and Tess took a job as the school’s lunch lady. During summers off, she imagined what she could do with the gift of her home and time off. “I had the idea of offering lunches for sale to workers in the area,” Tess adds. “Serving people has definitely been a calling on my life in many areas as that’s the nature of motherhood and nursing, and also being a lunch lady.”

“In 2019 we found this little Winnebago camper, and we gutted it, making it into The Lunch Box. The kids all had a hand in fixing it up, and they’ve all worked for me in some capacity over the years. Josh, Kindi and Tommy worked with me in the camper, and we had a lot of fun. It was hot. We had this tiny air conditioner, and we just served lunch and cinnamon rolls,” she says laughing.

Tess’s famous cinnamon rolls

That same cinnamon roll recipe became a local sensation. Parked in the family’s driveway on Highway 20, The Lunch Box set up picnic tables under their ash tree and welcomed anyone who stopped by. “We served people just passing by and construction workers during the expansion of the highway. When COVID-19 hit, people could sit outside and they were safe.”

Mother’s Day photo with Josh, Tommy, Jack, Katie and oldest granddaughter, Evelynn

As the business grew, so did the vision. The family eventually set their sights on the old Sweet Tooth building in Jackson, moved their little camper out back for storage and opened The Lunch Box as a full brick-andmortar shop. “The heart and soul of The Lunch Box has always been our sweet friends and family who work for us. My parents make our Saturday special of biscuits and gravy, our youngest boys fill in when we need them, and my sweet sisters in Christ give the most amazing customer service.” Five years later, Tess says God is once again calling the family down another path and into a joyful new season. “What a joy to see God at work here. It’s the thing that has made it so hard to make the decision to close this chapter and move our cinnamon roll business back home where it all began. Our family keeps growing and more grandbabies are arriving and we want to have time to spend these moments with them. They go fast,” Tess shares. For this next stage in her life, Tess says she’s going to surrender to the One who can handle it all. “Jesus means everything to me. He has been the biggest constant in my life. He is everything. He continues to show me He is steadfast and true.” Looking back, she sees her life as part of something much larger than herself. “I know He has a big, big story and I got to be a part of people’s lives: at the Lunch Box, in Ethiopia, at Siouxland Christian and in so many other places along the way. Who knows what God has done. But He chose to let me be part of it in some small way. That’s an amazing gift to me.”

Tess loves reading, especially theology. While she makes cinnamon rolls, she is listening to audiobooks and is currently addicted to “Theo of Golden.” She loves to study the Bible and holds a women’s Bible study twice a year at her home, drawing about 20 women each time. Jeff and Tess bought a camper in July, a longtime dream for Tess, separate from the Lunch Box camper, and they’ve wasted no time using it, already taking three trips in three weeks to Wagner, South Dakota, and Valentine, Nebraska. These days, Tess and Jeff are enjoying life as empty nesters, filling their time with family meals, pool days and visits from the kids and grandkids.

Tess MORE WITH

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Urine TROUBLE? By Dr. Emily Gamm, DVM

Cats are often deemed to be mysterious creatures, and they certainly can be, but they will offer us clues as to what’s going on with them if we pay close enough attention. Sometimes, that starts with the litter box. A cat’s urine and litter box habits can tell us quite a bit about their overall health.

Dr. Emily Gamm, DVM

If your cat is suddenly visiting the litter box frequently, leaving smaller urine spots (possibly with blood), crying when urinating, or urinating outside the litter box, your cat may be experiencing bladder inflammation, called cystitis. This could be due to microscopic crystals in the urine, bladder stones, urinary tract infection, or feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). FIC is fairly common and can be caused by stress. The cause of your cat’s stress may not be obvious, but it could be as simple as company staying at the house, or the introduction of a new family member of the two-legged or four-legged variety. If you see that your cat is straining to urinate and not producing any urine, please call your vet immediately. Male cats can develop a urethral obstruction, which can be a lifethreatening emergency. Your veterinarian will want to check

a urine sample to help determine the cause of your cat’s urinary symptoms, and will make recommendations on how to address the underlying issue. Sometimes, the solution may be creating a happier, calmer environment for your cat, such as adding additional high-up perches, giving them a safe, quiet, hiding space, or access to be able to see out windows. If your cat has always had regular urinary habits, but you start noticing larger volumes of urine in the litter box, maybe with less ammonia odor, and possibly accompanied by increased thirst or changes in weight, this is also something that should be evaluated. Your veterinarian will likely want to check a urine sample and bloodwork to check for underlying systemic conditions, such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease, which can be managed if caught early.

Cats will always have their secrets (like, why do they get the zoomies at 2 a.m.?), but with a little observation by you, and help from your vet, some of their mysteries can be solved.

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Siouxland Woman | Volume 12 Issue 10 n 17

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” - John Burroughs

I have spent a good amount of time resting by the water in the past few months. I can feel the difference in my soul and in my spirit. David wrote in the Psalms, “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1,2) Whether it’s a pond or a creek, a river or a lake, and maybe even being by the ocean or in the middle of the ocean; there’s a peace

18 n 2026

that has come to my soul. When my soul is being healed and comforted, it makes such a tremendous difference also in my spirit man; and likewise. My soul includes my mind, will, emotions, and personality. As I think about all this, I am so aware that without intentionality to care for and grow in these areas, I will stay where I am. This is not going to be the best version of myself and it’s really about loving myself and receiving truth that touches every aspect of my whole person. I feel all these things in my body also and my physical health improves, as well. There are things that have been impactful during my times of solitude and silence by the water that have made a lasting impression. I love the different times of the day and night, as well as how the light on the water shimmers from the sun and the moon. It is so different

too because of full sunlight and how the clouds change all that. It’s always such a gift and it feels like I am an invited guest that’s in the middle of it all. But I have to choose to participate and stay focused. The benefits are so good because of the combination of nature and being still with God to rest and receive.

“I’ve learned that the more vulnerable I allow myself to be, the more in control of myself I really am.” - Anonymous

When I am in that place, my emotions rise close to the surface, creating an openness God can use. The beauty and invitation of the moment make me vulnerable in a holy, personal way that cannot happen when others are around. In solitude and silence, I cannot miss God’s love and care. It feels like a sacred space where His kindness is heightened in every sense. I walked away feeling nourished by the quiet peace of nature, with a clarity that answered a deep question I had not even recognized. It surfaced and settled at the same time— something only God can do. It was divine and deeply good for my heart and mind. It touched both the woman I am today and the little girl within me who still longs for peace and love. I am so grateful.

I encourage you to set aside intentional time to find a quiet place near water and go alone. Leave your phone behind, remove distractions, and sit still long enough for your soul to settle. Author Ruth Haley Barton describes it this way: “You are like a jar of river water all shaken up. Sit still long enough for things to settle.” Her book Invitation to Silence and Solitude has helped me enter that beautiful place of quiet with God.

“Earth has not anything to show more fair; dull would he be of soul who could pass by a sight so touching in its majesty.” - William Wordsworth I would love to hear about your experience. Please email or call me if you would like to share.

Cheryl Wells Cheryl is a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach. She lives in Le Mars, Iowa with her husband Mike.

c.wells@sbsmin.org (712) 546-7544

Siouxland Woman | Volume 12 Issue 9 n 19

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THE HIDDEN TAX COSTS OF A SUCCESSFUL 401(K) PLAN

For many Americans, a 401(k) plan is the cornerstone of a successful retirement strategy. It offers valuable tax deductions today, allows investments to grow tax-deferred, and often includes employer matching contributions. Over the course of a career, these benefits can help build a substantial nest egg. But there is a side of the 401(k) plan that many retirees don’t fully understand until it’s too late – a hidden tax liability that can quietly erode retirement income. Financial professionals often refer to it as the “tax time bomb.” Here is why. When you contribute to a traditional 401(k) plan, you receive a tax break up front. Those taxes aren’t eliminated – they are simply postponed. Every dollar you withdraw in retirement is generally taxed as ordinary income. While many people assume they’ll be in a lower tax bracket after they stop working, that isn’t always the case. Retirees who have accumulated large balances in traditional retirement accounts can face an unpleasant surprise once they reach the age when required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin. The IRS requires you to withdraw a portion of your tax-deferred retirement accounts each year, whether you need the money or not. Those mandatory withdrawals can significantly increase your taxable income. The impact does not stop there. Higher taxable income from RMDs can cause a larger portion of your Social Security benefits to become taxable. Depending on your income level, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. Many retirees are surprised to learn that the income taken from their retirement savings can actually increase the taxes they pay on Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. When you add together income taxes, increased taxation of Social Security, and higher Medicare premiums, the true cost of large taxdeferred retirement accounts can be much greater than anticipated. The good news is that proactive planning can help. One strategy many retirees and pre-retirees consider is a Roth conversion. A Roth conversion involves transferring a portion of your traditional 401(k) plan or individual retirement account (IRA) into a Roth IRA and paying the applicable taxes now, rather than later. Think of it as stopping the taxation on any dollars converted and having those dollars grow tax free in the future. While paying taxes today may not sound appealing, it can create significant flexibility in retirement. Money inside a Roth IRA grows tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are generally tax-free as well. Even more importantly, Roth IRAs are not subject to RMDs during the original owner’s lifetime. By strategically converting portions of tax-deferred assets over several years, it may be possible to reduce future RMDs in the IRA or 401(k) plan, better manage taxable income, and potentially lessen the impact on Social Security taxation and Medicare premiums.

26 n 2026

Timing is critical. The years between retirement and the start of RMDs often present a unique planning opportunity. During this window, many individuals temporarily find themselves in lower tax brackets, making partial Roth conversions especially attractive. Rather than waiting for the IRS to determine how much you must withdrawal, thoughtful planning allows you to have greater control over your future tax picture. Of course, Roth conversions are not a one-size-fits-all strategy. Factors such as your current tax brackets, expected future income, estate planning goals, charitable giving intentions, and your overall financial situation should all be carefully evaluated before making any decisions. That’s why strategic income planning is so important. Retirement isn’t simply about accumulating assets – it’s about creating a sustainable income strategy that is designed to preserve more of what you’ve worked so hard to save. If you’ve built a sizable 401(k) plan, now is an excellent time to understand how future taxes could affect your retirement lifestyle. At Kletschke Wealth Management Group, we specialize in helping individuals develop personalized retirement income strategies that address taxes, RMDs, Social Security, Medicare, so that your retirement plan aligns with long-term financial goals. Don’t wait until the “tax time bomb” begins to tick. Contact our team today to schedule a retirement income planning consultation and discover strategies that may help you keep more of your retirement income and gain greater confidence in your financial future. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against loss. Decisions to roll over or transfer retirement plan or IRA assets should be made with careful consideration of the advantages and disadvantages, including investment options and services, fees and expenses, withdrawal options, required minimum distributions, tax treatment, and your unique financial needs and retirement planning. Neither Stifel nor Stifel Financial Advisors provide recommendations with respect to your decision to move assets out of an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Once you inform your Stifel Financial Advisor that you have chosen to roll your retirement assets to an IRA with Stifel, your individual investment needs can be addressed. You should consult with your tax advisor regarding your particular situation as it pertains to tax matters. Stifel does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult with your legal and tax advisors regarding your particular situation. Forbes’ Best-in-State Women Wealth Advisors and Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams rankings are based on the 12-month period ending September 30 and March 31, respectively, of the year prior to publication and selected by SHOOK Research, LLC from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology. The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. For more information, see stifel.info/award-disclosures.

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Siouxland Woman | Volume 12 Issue 10 n 27

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THRIVING BY DESIGN HOW LE MARS IS BUILDING IOWA’S FUTURE ONE PARTNERSHIP AT A TIME BY MARK GAUL with CHERYL WELLS There are many people who have played an important role in the growth and development we are seeing throughout Le Mars, and Mark Gaul, our Community Development Director, has certainly been an integral part of that progress. His wisdom, experience, and steady leadership have benefited our entire community as he works alongside businesses, developers, city leaders, and residents to help Le Mars continue to grow and prosper. Mark has shared his insight with Siouxland Woman readers in the past, and I am always grateful for the opportunity to once again feature his perspective on the exciting things happening in our community and what lies ahead. I’m happy to feature this information that Mark has put together for us. ~Cheryl If you ask someone outside northwest Iowa what they know about Le Mars, the answer is usually the same: ice cream. And while Le Mars will always be proud of its title as the Ice Cream Capital of the World, those who know the community best understand that its greatest asset has never been ice cream. It has been its people. The willingness of neighbors to work together, businesses to invest, volunteers to serve, and local leaders to plan beyond the next budget cycle has quietly shaped one of Iowa’s most successful rural communities. That collaborative spirit was recently recognized when the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority named Le Mars one of Iowa’s newest Thriving Communities. The designation is certainly an honor, but it is also something much more meaningful. It is an

30 n 2026

O’TOOLE PARK SPLASH PAD PROGRESS

acknowledgment that Le Mars has become a model for how rural communities can prepare for growth without losing the character that made them successful in the first place.

Success Doesn’t Happen Overnight

Communities rarely become thriving through a single project or announcement. They grow through years of intentional decisions. That is the story behind Le Mars. Over the past several years, the community has embraced The Le Mars Community Development Plan, a long-range plan created not behind closed doors but through hundreds of conversations with residents, employers, educators, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and civic leaders. The plan asked a simple question: What kind of community do we want Le Mars to be twenty years from now?

ENGAGE LE MARS CONCERTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

The answers became a roadmap for action rather than a report destined for a bookshelf.

Housing Is About People

Just as important, it tells prospective residents and businesses something that statistics alone cannot: Le Mars believes in its future enough to plan for it.

The Thriving Communities designation recognizes communities that understand one of Iowa’s greatest economic challenges: housing.

The Work Continues

Without housing, employers cannot recruit workers. Young families look elsewhere. Seniors cannot find opportunities to downsize. Communities that want to grow must create housing choices for every stage of life.

Community leaders understand that thriving is not a status to achieve but a commitment to maintain. The Le Mars Community Development Plan continues to guide decisions. New housing opportunities are being MY HUSBAND MIKE’S LICENSE PLATEin explored. Partnerships continue to grow. Investments infrastructure, recreation, and downtown revitalization continue to build momentum.

Le Mars recognized this early. Rather than treating housing as a stand-alone issue, local leaders connected it with economic development, infrastructure, quality of life, workforce attraction, and downtown vitality. That integrated approach distinguished the community during the competitive state application process.

Building the Whole Community

Perhaps the most remarkable part of this story is that no one in Le Mars views the designation as the finish line.

GETTING IT DONE:

For a community that has always believed success comes from working together, the designation is less a celebration of what has been accomplished than an invitation to keep moving forward.

Visitors to Le Mars quickly notice that growth is happening in many ways.

Le Mars has long been known for making the world’s best ice cream.

Downtown continues to evolve with restored buildings, thriving small businesses, and community events that bring people together. Parks, trails, and recreational amenities continue to improve. Infrastructure investments are preparing new areas for residential and commercial development. Local employers continue expanding and creating quality jobs.

Increasingly, it is becoming known for something equally important: demonstrating that a small Iowa community, united by a shared vision and a willingness to invest in its future, can accomplish extraordinary things.

None of these projects alone earned the designation. Together, however, they tell a compelling story: Le Mars is investing in the kind of community where people choose to build their lives.

A Recognition That Opens Doors

The Thriving Communities designation brings practical benefits as well. It strengthens Le Mars’ competitiveness for state housing resources and signals to developers that the community has leadership, partnerships, and a clear vision for growth.

CHERYL WELLS Cheryl is a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach. She lives in Le Mars, Iowa with her husband Mike. c.wells@sbsmin.org SideBySideMinistries.org

SHOPPING IN VIBRANT DOWNTOWN LE MARS UPCOMING CROSSROADS COMMONS DEVELOPMENT

Siouxland Woman | Volume 12 Issue 10 n 31

ll S

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Featurin

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Plan Today.

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Planning for the events after your death can be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be overly difficult. To ease your mind and simplify your planning, the following are four things to think about before your first appointment with an estate planning attorney:

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A Journey of Discovery “Like any piece of art, you never know the journey it took to arrive as a framed painting.” This is how Paula Crandell

Artist’s Work Inspired by Growth By Kim Fickett

The Creative Jo of Savannah Be

By Samantha Brockh

describes her artistic process. “My art is representative of numerous ‘what-ifs’, experiments, and studies. It’s not perfect, nor am I, but I try to be positive, persevere, and never give up,” Paula shares. Known for her work with alcohol ink paintings and watercolor botanicals, Paula says she enjoys a wide range of mediums and techniques including gel plate printmaking, collage, and acrylic painting. “My favorite is whatever I’m presently working with.” Paula notes that painting Zen Botanicals is so relaxing. “I begin by wetting watercolor paper and dropping in three to four colors of paint. Because the paper is wet, the paint runs and bleeds, creating shapes, lines, and new colors. This can be an oooh-and-ahhhh unexpected moment.” 34 n 2026

Paula Crandell

ourney erlyn

house

“I am amazed at how many common household objects can create beautiful textures or marks on the printing plate. You might find drinking glasses, a potato ricer, silicone butter brushes, or cardboard pieces from an Amazon box in my texture container,” she shares. For Paula, art is all about growth, personally and professionally. Whether it’s the discovery of newfound techniques, helping her students to succeed, or failing herself and picking up the pieces to come out stronger on the other side, it’s all centered on learning. “I am always trying new techniques and media to share with people: students or viewers of my work. I’ve learned that I enjoy teaching art as much as making it these days. Watching people grow artistically is my reward,” she says. “I’ve met so many people who say, ‘I can’t draw a straight line,’ and I tell them, ‘Great, those can be so boring.’

I believe everyone possesses a level of creativity, but many times it’s hidden. Drawing out that creativity and giving new artists confidence in themselves has always been my challenge. As an artist, I give myself permission to experiment, to fail, and to begin again.” Paula’s artwork is sold at Sioux City Gifts, the Le Mars Arts Center, and her studio at Art Sux in downtown Sioux City. She also currently has work displayed at the Siouxland Artists Show at the Art Center and at the Betty Strong Encounter Center “Bits and Pieces” exhibit featuring Seven Women with a Brush. “My attitude is that ‘Art is for Everyone,’ and I try to put that statement into action through Siouxland Artists community family projects at Art Splash and the Multicultural Fair, school events, and teaching at the Art Center,” Paula shares. Siouxland Woman | Volume 12 Issue 10 n 35

Saturday, October 10th 11am - 3pm Sioux City Riverfront Food Trucks • Irish Music • Drinks OU Irish Road Bowling Teams consist of 4 players (21 and older) who “bowl” a small cannonball as far as they can down a designated road. Scoring is on the honor system and it’s similar to keeping score for golf. All throws are completed underhanded, and teammates move down the road ahead of each bowler to watch where the team’s ball stops. Team members take turns rolling the ball. The team with the fewest number of “rolls” at the end of the course wins!

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Getting Ahead

of the Season

WITH J&V LANDSCAPING By Michaela Feldmann

As summer winds down and the leaves begin to change, cooler temperatures bring a change to your outdoor space. “August starts to get busy for us, but we have fall cleanups scheduled as soon as July. People start switching from summer to fall mode and are thinking about spending more time inside,” says Ruby Sebastian, manager at J&V Landscaping and Housekeeping. The changing leaves are a reminder that now is the time to prepare lawns and landscapes for the months ahead, but that goes beyond raking up leaves.

Ruby Sebastian

“Preparing now can save you hassle in the future. Usually, we will cut back the plants and any grass or overgrown bushes that need it,” Ruby explains. “The crew also cleans out the gutters, cleans up patios, blows out everything on the roof and in the landscape. Some clients also want help putting away patio furniture.” That work helps prepare the property before the snow and freezing temperatures arrive, Ruby adds. The goal is simple: prep the whole home for the winter ahead.

42 n 2026

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LANDSCAPING LLC Siouxland Woman | Volume 12 Issue 10 n 43

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THE LAST

HOLIDAY SEMINAR?

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” – William Shakespeare Every fall, the announcement goes out, and the phone starts ringing. The Holiday Seminar is coming, and for the loyal fans who return year after year, it’s the unofficial holiday kickoff. “If you love design – if you’re clipping magazine photos, rearranging the living room in your mind or dreaming about your next project – this is for you,” says Kathy Sorbe, lead designer and owner of The Elements in Storm Lake. “When we start, I always ask who’s here for the first time and love seeing new hands pop up.” Sorbe says first-timers tell her the same thing: “I had no idea it would be like this.” Come with a friend, bring your questions and your wish list. Sorbe promises you’ll leave with a head full of ideas you can use the next day. 46 n 2026

If you’ve never attended, here’s what to expect: Guests arrive to a nearly empty showroom, the remaining pieces draped in white sheets and rows of chairs. (Every year, somehow, the team finds a way to add more chairs.) Then the show begins. While the audience watches, the Design Team goes to work – rolling out rugs, uncovering furniture, hanging art, placing lamps and layering in accessories – assembling complete, fully functional rooms before their eyes. Once isn’t enough, so they do it again, swapping and adding accessories to transform those same spaces for fall. And just like a play, there’s an intermission, where guests enjoy treats and wine while they shop.

Like any good production, they end with a bang or lights … even something swinging down from the ceiling. For the finale, the rooms are dressed for the holidays. They challenge the audience to time them as they decorate a tree. (Their record is 6 minutes!) Finally, there’s a reveal that reliably draws oohs and ahs from the crowd. Late October will never feel so much like Christmas. “It’s better to show people what a room could look like than tell them,” says Sorbe. “We did an entry once with a chest, lamps and a mirror. Then we took that mirror down and hung one three times larger. The difference in scale was remarkable, and the audience saw it instantly. That’s the visual power of the seminar.”

Sorbe is quick to point out that the seminar isn’t a sales pitch. It’s something closer to a master class. The seminar takes the mystery out of interior design while showcasing exactly what the Design Team can do. Sorbe’s goal is to make the seminar inspirational and educational. “It gives us a chance to show off,” says Sorbe. “But what I love most is when someone tells me, ‘You gave me permission.’ Permission to use a piece in an unexpected way, to hang the bigger mirror, to rethink a dining room they never use. I want them to walk out ready to look at their own homes differently.”

This entire room – cognac sofas, rug, art and all – started as an empty space and came together piece by piece before the audience’s eyes.

In a world of design blogs and endless scrolling, the seminar offers something those online posts can’t: a real event. Guests come with friends, laugh, sip wine and start making plans for their own spaces. This isn’t a local event. People travel from all over the Midwest to attend. What the audience doesn’t see is what happens behind the curtain. Serious planning begins about two months out, and the week before, the crew clears the showroom and sets the stage. And while the evening looks flawless from the chairs, there are always backstage adaptations. Once a leaning taper candle was rescued mid-show with a piece of borrowed chewing gum. The team is as resourceful as they are creative.

To many, this print may seem too large over this console. For the seminar, the Design Team used not one, but two prints, demonstrating the impact of scale before their eyes.

One of the more ambitious and talked-about finales was a rock wall created for a spring seminar. Thousands of pounds of rock went into this piece, bucket by bucket, to create a gardening shed, complete with a floating bed.

Over the years, that creativity has produced legendary moments, including a rock wall in the cottage, a screenedin porch with pavers, water feature and all – and even a yurt. These were all Instagrammable moments before Instagram. The seminar’s history is as rich as its reveals. Sorbe launched the first one in 1998 in Des Moines. Then it moved to the now closed Peach Blossom in Storm Lake where they quickly outgrew the 25-seat capacity, moving first into a vacant café next door and later into a gym. When Sorbe opened The Elements in Storm Lake, the seminar followed, and it has anchored the calendar ever since. Between the holiday and spring events, the Design Team has created more than 100 spaces over the years, never repeating a single one.

The quickie centerpieces – arrangements built in minutes from things you likely already own – are always a favorite.

So why the headline? Because there’s a tradition almost as reliable as the standingroom crowd. Siouxland Woman | Volume 12 Issue 10 n 47

The Design Team first styles this glass-front cabinet for everyday living, then transforms it for the holidays.

The Design Team styles a holiday mantel while Sorbe walks the audience through the process. No mystery, just ideas guests can take home.

When the last guest leaves and the team finally sits down – exhausted, surrounded by the beautiful spaces built by both creativity and chaos – someone always says it: “That’s it. That was the last one. It’s too much work.” “It’s a little like childbirth,” Sorbe admits. “You swear you’ll never do it again. That usually lasts until the next morning. Then you remember how much fun it was, how much the audience loved it, and we start planning the next one.” So no, this is not the last Holiday Seminar. Not even close. Registration opens Monday, October 5th, so don’t wait to reserve your seat. They’ll add more chairs, but they always fill. For seminar details, visit The Elements showroom at 1701 W. Milwaukee Ave. in Storm Lake, call (712) 732-2385 or go to elementsbyksorbe.com. Follow The Elements on Facebook and Instagram for announcements, new arrivals and daily design inspiration.

The Design Team effortlessly assembled this luxury yurt from an empty space. While this isn’t something most guests would consider, it’s proof that great design sometimes means daring to dream a little bigger.

48 n 2026

The seminar was making headlines as far back as 2003.

Scan to explore our collection.

Reaching Out: Why Support Is Critical in Times of Crisis By Michaela Feldmann

A mental health crisis doesn’t always look how people expect.

50 n 2026

“You know, anything that feels overwhelming to you is really what we are looking for,” shares Brooke Lange, a crisis response therapist at Heartland Counseling Services. “A crisis can look different for everyone.” Maybe it’s a friend who suddenly stops responding, a co-worker who becomes unusually irritable, or a loved one who no longer enjoys the activities they once looked forward to.

and providing a safe space for them to talk about what they are going through.” Brooke notes that anytime someone calls into Heartland’s crisis line, the team of experts also works to create a safety plan tailored to each person’s situation. Brooke Lange PLMHP, CPSS

“These changes all have one thing in common, which is isolation,” Brooke explains. “Someone else might increase their drug or alcohol use or have behavioral changes.” It’s also important to pay attention to our own mental health, looking inward and asking ourselves how we are feeling. Brooke says many people dismiss those feelings as temporary stress or a bad week at work, but early intervention is key. “If you’re noticing changes in your own life or noticing that you are feeling more down lately, or more depressed, it’s important to recognize that and get help at those first signs,” Brooke advises. Brooke adds that recognizing these signs and reaching out early can be the first step in preventing a crisis from becoming something more serious. “If you are noticing these changes in the people in your life, go up to them and ask if they are OK; see what’s going on in their life,” she continues. “If it’s impacting their everyday life, as a friend or loved one, encourage them to reach out for help.” Help is available at Heartland Counseling’s 24/7 crisis line, another resource for those struggling. “We are here to show you that you are not alone,” Brooke explains. “You have someone you can talk to, someone who is going to listen. Our team does a really great job at connecting with our clients

“We are looking at who their social supporters are, which individuals they can reach out to if they are experiencing thoughts of harming themselves. Some callers may be having those thoughts; others simply need someone to help them process difficult moments before it escalates.” The safety plan, she says, is about keeping them safe in the moment until they are feeling better. The team works with callers on coping strategies and activities that can take their mind off the situation, such as listening to music, calling a friend or going for a walk. “We are going to check in on them two to three times a day just to see how they’re doing and make sure the situation isn’t getting worse,” Brooke explains. “It’s just another step of letting them know that they’re not alone and they have people who care about them.” Another great resource, Brooke says, is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. “You can text in, and that’s a really great resource because that can sometimes feel a little less intimidating for some people,” Brooke notes. “Just know that help is here before you reach a breaking point.” The need for these resources continues to grow. Brooke reports that Nebraska’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline received more than 26,000 calls in 2025, a 12% increase from its first year of operation. If you need help, reach out. Heartland Counseling Services’ 24/7 crisis line can be accessed at 402-494-7655.

Siouxland Woman | Volume 12 Issue 9 n 51

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room to grow.

suite—and two full baths, plus a skylit 54 n 2026

modern

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Siouxland Woman | Volume 12 Issue 10 n 55

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At Kahill’s Chophouse, exceptional dining starts with uncompromising quality. Behind the scenes, our culinary team prepares every dish from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients — from locally grown produce to fresh‑caught seafood, wild game, and premium Certified Angus Beef. 385 E. 4th St. #1750, South Sioux City, NE 402.494.5025

P’s Pizza House

Welcome to a fresh & fun dining experience at P’s Pizza House! We are not the usual pizza joint, in fact, we have evolved into much more. We like to think of ourselves as a progressive American eatery in northwest Iowa and South Dakota, serving modern American fare, classic cocktails, and the best brews around.

Soho Kitchen & Bar

FOODIE FEATURE

Kahill’s Chophouse

Soho Kitchen & Bar is Located at 1024 Historic 4th Street in Sioux City, IA. With an eclectric menu of American cuisine and classic comforts, SoHo also has the biggest tap beer selection in northwest Iowa, and the largest local craft beer selection in the area. 1024 4th St, Sioux City, IA 712.560.8841

Iowa Barbecue Company

Low and slow, that’s the tempo! Try one of our signature selections and see what everyone’s talking about. Popular barbecue joint serving ribs, brisket, and mac and cheese for lunch and dinner. 100 Plymouth St. W, Le Mars, IA 712.541.6606

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WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FOODIE SPOT IN SIOUXLAND?

Tell us who you’d like to see featured! Email your favorite foodie spot to hello@michelscom.com

Cozy up to autumn at Habitué, where pumpkin takes center stage! Sip on a velvety Harvest Pumpkin Latte, savor a slice of Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake, or bite into an indulgent Pumpkin & Cream Cheese Mufﬁn. With even more seasonal delights waiting, it’s the perfect way to celebrate fall ﬂavors in every sip and bite.

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Butterfly

lovers unite Annual event supports Monarch population By Kim Fickett Nature enthusiasts and butterfly lovers are invited to attend the 26th annual Dee’s Bee and Butterfly Festival in Okoboji on September 11. Started in 2005 by Delores Maser, a visionary supporter of the Dickinson County Conservation Board, the event originated due to the alarming decline of the monarch butterfly. “Every year the festival invites families and friends to join in the celebration of pollinators, all that they do, and the monarch butterfly migration,” shares Amy Heibult, Dickinson County Conservation Board community relations coordinator.

The evening is filled with family-friendly activities from crafts and monarch tagging to a petting zoo, outdoor games, and entertainment provided by the South Dakota Aerial and Arts. “Monarch tagging is a citizen science opportunity with the Monarch Watch program,” explains Amy. Before the festival, staff order stickers, with each having a unique code. During the event, families place the tiny sticker on the hind wing of the butterfly and get a certificate with the butterfly’s code. Volunteers help record data like location, code number, date, and whether the butterfly is male or female. “Once the butterfly is released, it will begin its migration south. If the butterfly is recaptured, the data is submitted to Monarch Watch and families can look up the code the following spring to see if their butterfly was recaptured farther south.” In 2025, two butterflies from that year’s festival were recaptured in El Rosario, Mexico, last fall.

“Butterfly tagging is the most popular activity that everyone can participate in!” 66 n 2026

In addition to the monarch tagging, native plants grown by Troy and Sarah Davelaar, owners of Siouxland Prairie Farms, will be available for attendees to shop. Marlene Boernsen, owner of Boernsen Bees, will host a demonstration of honey extraction and bottling at 5:30 p.m. with an opportunity for honey sampling at the end of the presentation.